The Compelling Frame

If you caught yesterday's Apple announcement about the new iPhones launching soon, you'll know the advances in technology are truly stupendous. We are most definitely in the midst of a golden age in the visual arts. Technology is making it possible to create billions of photographs every day. Yet, world and humanitarian photographer, David duChemin believes the majority of the images produced on a daily bases fall short because they lack soul. In other words, the photographs we mass produce are not compelling enough.

The photographs we see today often don't stop us in our tracks or stir our curiosity or evoke an emotion. They tend to be much of the same trite look at our beautiful and surprising world. When we do encounter a photograph – be it our own or photographed by someone else – that has an impact on us, we remember it more vividly, almost as if we can experience it again and again.

Some are indeed so compelling that they create a response within us, perhaps, even a set of actions that affect humanity the world over. Now, don't you want to make an impact, however small or big, with your photography?

But what stands in the way? Practicing and producing the same photographs again and again is of no use to anyone. We've also been told about the classic rules of composition – the rule of thirds or the golden spiral – but these have held us hostage for far too long.

Going Beyond The Rules

We have limited ourselves with our visual vocabulary to go deeper and create stronger images. David duChemin, who has authored nearly 10 books on photography (see below), insists that it is possible to learn the visual language, or syntax, that is essential in creating compelling photographs.

Understanding and then expressing ourselves by using this new visual lingo, expands our abilities to do so much more. Better yet, you'll never ever feel like you are in a creative rut again.

Interviewing David

David just launched The Compelling Frame, an in-depth course for photographers eager to consistently create compelling frame. I spoke with him at length about how photographers can stop spinning their wheels and get on the path to making photographs that make them truly proud of their accomplishments. Give this a listen (approximately 35 minutes):

What's In The Course?

Just as soon as I recorded my interview with David, I knew I had to be a part of his course, so I signed up!

Here's what is in the course: 19 awesome lessons (videos you can watch again and again), 31 creative exercises, an opportunity to study the masters, a ton of bonuses that are actually useful and a vibrant and exclusive community called The VISION-DRIVEN.

I'm willing to bet that a year from now, my photographs are going to be several levels above where they are today because of The Compelling Frame course and The VISION DRIVEN community online.

This course is open only for a very short duration. I suppose that's one way to really gauge who is serious about elevating their craft, right? Here's my recommendation and it isn't biased in any way (the links in this post are not affiliate links at all):

You could continue making photographs and not sense any momentum in your artwork or you could spend a modest amount of money ($295), to enroll in this course (yes, with me) and truly accelerate your growth.

Enrollment for The Compelling Frame ends in about eight days. My suggestion is that you don't wait. Jump in now.

David's Books

Money could be tight, or now may not be the right time for you to be a part of this course, in your path as a photographer. I get it. So, really the next best thing would be to read David's advice through his books (these are affiliate links):

I'm going to sound like a total fan boy, but I own every book David has written. In an environment where there is so much noise, David's words of wisdom are a clear and consistent signal that is well-timed. Wherever you are in your photographic journey, I highly recommend David's resources for photographers.

And, to answer the question this post poses: yes, the compelling frame is most definitely within your reach. With the right guide, the right community and a lot of intentional practice or play, photography will cease to be a foreign language and it will become more intuitive for you.

Conference Season Is Upon Us

It's photography conference season, if you haven't noticed. Imaging USA, produced by PPA is on right now. WPPI‘s annual meeting and expo has apparently moved to a new space and will run in early February.

As I have said before, those are conferences that you should go to … at least once.

But if you prefer something more intimate and intellectually stimulating, check out Inspire Photo Retreats. It is coming up quickly. This year, like last year, it will be held in Newport, Rhode Island, from February 27 through March 1. Please visit and register for it here.

Four things dictate a photography conference's level of success:

1) Personal experience

Does your personal experience motivate you to keep coming back?

I can't recall attending any other annual photography get together more times than Inspire Photo Retreats. There is a vibe that is both positive and uplifting to me. This conference couldn't come at a better time in the year when I am starting to plan out the year and consider how my business will be shaped. When I attend, I can be sure of meeting amazing people and having a memorable experience. The conference is topped off at 250 participants and continues to foster a sense of community and fellowship that the larger conferences simply cannot provide. If this is what you are looking for, you are in the right place.

So the answer is, yes, I would love to go back to Inspire again and again.

2) Organizers

Is the conference organized and efficient? And are the organizers open to suggestions for change?

Eric Foley, Enna Grazier and Mark Higgins are all busy photographers. But every year, for the last several years, they have dedicated themselves to producing a phenomenal event that is rich in quality content. It's no easy matter to put this photography conference on, but they do so with the help of great volunteers and a hotel staff that is now well-tuned to their needs. I give Eric, Enna and Mark full credit for elevating their conference game each year. They provide a safe space for everyone to express themselves, in a format that truly feels like you are at a retreat. Year after year, they make it a point to send out a survey after the conference to see how they can improve the overall experience for everyone.

High marks for the trio on this one because I have seen this conference grow, not so much in size thankfully, but in quality.

3) Speaker Lineup

Are the speakers simply dumping information or are they teaching you a skill?

Sean D'Souza of Psychotactics has a great metric for workshops and conferences. If they are simply an information dump, he gives them a failing grade. What makes his own workshops stand out is the fact that you will never leave without learning a skill – a skill you can put to use right away.

The speakers at Inspire Photo Retreats do the same thing. There is information, for sure. But the skills that they teach are actionable. While there is some overlap, year to year, the organizers go to great lengths to find speakers who will add value to those who attend.

I spoke with six speakers (see below), but there are 19 speakers in all, over the course of three days. From my experience, every speaker prepares to wow with information that is actionable. I'm willing to bet I won't find a seat again when Spencer Lum speaks. Or, how about Sarah Dugan who will be teaching us to work with cyanotype and produce salt prints. Did you want to learn how to market using video? Kate McElwee is set to teach you just that. Wendell Fernandes, whom I haven't met, will help you hone in on creating and sustaining client relationships. Want to learn about the lucrative and colorful world of multicultural weddings? Petronella Lugemwa is the right person to do it. And there are others, each bringing their A game to a conference that they love.

4) Wonderful Vendors

How engaged are the vendors? Is the trade show only an opportunity for vendors to sell to us or for us to get to know them and their products?

I found pockets of time to steal away and speak with the vendors. ShootDotEdit, with Jared Bauman's leadership, really set the tone for what vendors can expect at Inspire Photo Retreats. As Bauman told me a few years ago, “We are in it for the long haul.” I believe every vendor understands and accepts this paradigm; you come year after year, not so much to sell but to see how to help photographers problem-solve.

You'll agree it's a diverse group of speakers. Do look at the full line up of speakers at Inspire Photo Retreats this year.

Community, The Common Theme

Whether it is on TiffinboxTV or here on the blog, I've talked about stepping away from your business to recharge your creative batteries. There is no better conference than Inspire Photo Retreats that will help you do just that.

Think of what you will learn, think of who you will speak with, think of the networking opportunities, think of just being away from home for a few days and think of the community you will begin building.

Whether you are a portrait or wedding photographer, there is a speaker who is meant just for you. So hop off of that fence and register now.

Go ahead and click the links above to explore each of the options. You'll notice that they are each marked at $94.99. But you can score the entire course – all five “modules” – for only $394.99 (and if you are quick, you can get 25% off that price when you use the code: NEWYEAR25.

Variety & Depth

I haven't seen anyone offer so much under one banner course. And, if there are such an options out in the interwebs, I suspect it costs twice or thrice as much.

Poking into some of the course material, I can tell you that the master course has a ton of visual examples; photographs from actual photo shoots with clients and links to videos, where Mario talks you through situations that you will encounter. Each module has its PDF ebook to go with it, so you never feel left out in the cold.

The Modern Lighting course, for example, includes a 56-pae PDF ebook, a 25-minute supplmental lighting video and two special bonuses.

Mario's Crazy Guarantee

This straight from Mario's website: “Every Sessions With Mario product is backed by a 100% Money Back Guarantee. If you don’t absolutely love the course, it’s on me!”

This Master Course was designed for portrait photographers looking to take their portraits AND their business to the next level – to shoot better images, edit faster, market smarter, and sell bigger. With no-frill videos, beautiful PDFs, and awesome challenges, the Master Course equips you with what you need to grow into a 6-figure portrait photography business and rock your next seasons in 2017!

Some of my favorite photographer friends are having some time-limited special offerings that I felt I needed to share with you.

We all want to market our photography in a way that provides value to our clients and to us. That's called running a business. Some are assertive about it, while some others are passive. I believe you reap what you sow, but I also know frequency and consistency is key. One of the best products I've seen that teaches marketing for photographers is Jamie Swanson's e-book, 6-Week Photography Marketing Bootcamp. But this book is going away on Friday (yes, tomorrow). She is retiring it and rolling the information in the ebook into a new, more expensive course that should make its appearance in the Fall. But why wait until then? Get it now for only $49.

Ever wanted to see how a photographer consistently books wedding clients? Laura Novak's Wedding Inquiry Course just launched. Laura is not only a savvy business woman but she is a versatile photographer whom I respect a great deal. Now through July 31st, get 25% off her new course (use: “JULYINTRO”) that takes you literally by the hand to show you how she books wedding clients. She had a video crew record her interactions with a real wedding couple. No actors were involved!

Lastly, my friends Rob & Lauren Lim of The Photography Concentrate have relaunched their terrific tutorial, Super Photo Editing Skills, with new videos that address the new features in Lightroom 5. This is the one course I keep recommending to all my friends because it is so comprehensive, but not overwhelming. Plus you get a ton of bonuses like a style guide and presets that you can deploy right away. Super Photo Editing Skills is usually $79, but starting today through August 2nd, it will be $55. Ever wanted to learn how to edit your images in Lightroom? This is your ticket! Get it punched.

Full disclosure: I carefully pick the very best products and services for you. All are affiliate links that help support this site. So do the right thing!

As a photographer in Avon, Connecticut I have been reaching out to parents through my portraits website and to brides in Connecticut through my wedding photography website. I have volunteered my time, offered numerous portrait sessions for silent auctions and even photographed the Cub Scouts troop in town. All this to say, I am not going any where and I want to put roots down right where I live.

On March 23, I am going to join a group of other professionals in my town present to a select group of Avon High School students. Our presentations are meant to spark an interest in them for what we do, so that they may some day down the road do what we do now. And yes, the half-day program is called SPARK.

“Students will be exposed to a variety of topics beyond the usual classroom fare. The goal of the workshops is to introduce students to a wide variety of interesting topics; a day of exploring something new they may have an interest in learning more about or perhaps even finding a career or hobby.”

For the presentation, I plan on going back and giving the students a quick look at how I started in this business. I'll even go into my WHY. Slideshows are an obvious choice to get them engaged in what I will be talking about.

But I am here to ask for your help:

What should I impart to the students? What do you consider the most important thing that students, who are 14 through 18 years of age, going to need to know from a working professional about photography?

I need your help. In the comments section below, please take a moment and pen two suggestions. If you see someone else suggest something you had in mind, that's fine. Still, tell me. I figure if more people feel the same about a topic that must be addressed at this point and time, then I better hop to it.

So, can I count on you? I want to hear from photographers of all genres, if possible. I would love to understand your perspective on these questions.

While I've had the opportunity to teach and work with hundreds of talented nature and landscape photographers, few if any of them ever consider artist residencies as a tool of developing their photography.

That's a pity.

Residencies offer artists a place to stay and focus on art. This adobe cabin is used to house resident artists at Petrified Forest National Park

What are artist residencies? Residencies are programs which grant artists a place to live while they focus on their work. These programs can take many forms. In some cases, these residencies are created by fine arts programs, many of those residencies pull in several artists at a time with the hope of encouraging interdisciplinary work or at least a sharing of ideas. Many parks and organizations that manage natural areas have residencies which are usually more solitary, but that put the artist in close connection with the landscape, in part with the hope of encouraging artwork that promotes and communicates the features of that park. Even some commercial concerns create residencies, my shipboard arctic residencies provided me incredible access to hard-to-reach areas of the planet, with the expectation that I'd also provide some work back in the form of workshops and material for a passenger DVD.

Residencies are offered by many types of organizations, from fine arts collectives and parks to commercial cruise lines.

Why do so few photographers apply for such opportunities? Part of the disconnect is cultural. There has always seemed to be a quiet divide between the photography community and the fine art community, and while artist residencies are a staple of the traditional fine art community, they're rarely if ever talked about in the photographic communities I've been a part of. There's also a mystique factor, because of this “quiet divide”, Many times talented, creative photographers make the mistake of thinking that their work won't be accepted by something they perceive as being part of the snooty “fine art” world. in reality, most residencies, particularly those applicable to landscape and wildlife photographers, are juried by people who do understand the creative potential of the photographic medium, and see art more broadly than many photographers might imagine.

Of course, there are some practical challenges to accepting a residency. Not everyone can afford the luxury of putting eight weeks into nothing but developing a new body of artwork. However, many people, particularly many talented amateurs, could afford two or three weeks if they understood the value they could get from a well-chosen residency.

Why You Should Consider a Residency

Why would a photographer wish to invest a few weeks in a residency? The most important reason to consider a residency is the opportunity for focused time. Whether you're a professional or an amateur, it is unlikely that you get to spend nearly as much uninterrupted time making photographs as you'd like. Whether it's the “day job at the factory” or the usual grind of marketing and selling your photographic work, the inevitable distractions of day-to-day life really get in the way of digging deeply into a photographic project. A few weeks dedicated to a project can bring depths to your work.

Cost is another reason. Few residencies offer anything in terms of cash, but there's no question that the value of simply having a decent place to stay for a few weeks in an area you'd like to work is substantial. My arctic, ship-board residencies are probably the most extreme example of this, the cabin that I stayed in during my Svalbard residency this year probably would have cost around twenty thousand dollars if I'd paid for it retail.

Some residencies offer access to unique resources, whether they be archeological, geological or cultural.

Which brings me to access. Every residency I've been awarded has offered me unique opportunities in terms of access to the locations I'd be working in. In my National Park residency, not only did I have the run of the park at night and sunrise t (when the park was otherwise closed to visitors), but I also had enormous support from the staff there, from access to their geologic archives to guidance on a couple hikes to lesser-known park locations, as well as access to many archeological resources. My arctic residencies included the support necessary to get me and my camera near to polar bears without risking my life.

Residencies often offer a variety of forms of other support, from access to art making equipment to support in getting to unique and otherwise inaccessible or dangerous locations.

How To Apply

First, find a program that's relevant to the kind of work you do, or at least the kind of work you'd like to do. You are more likely to be awarded a residency if it's clear how you and your work fits in with the opportunity being offered, and you'll are far more likely to benefit personally and professionally from a residency if the specific opportunity inspires you. If you're a wildlife photographer, you might want to skip that urban art center opportunity, unless you have a clear plan for applying your skills and interests to a new environment–and even then, you'll need to make a solid case in your application as to why you're the best person to benefit from the residency.

Carefully research each residency you apply for, and respond to each residency individually. In applying for my Petrified Forest residency, I proposed projects that both inspired me and that leveraged the unique features of that park, such as it's archeological resources and it's incredibly dark sky. The Park Service's own web site and in-park informational signage gave me a great deal of information about what they believed to be key features of the park, reflecting that understanding in my own proposal likely helped me win that particular residency.

Whether you're a professional or not, it is essential that you show that you're serious about your work. Few of these opportunities care about whether you make your living at photography, but all of them will care about whether you bring a serious, committed attitude to your art. There are many ways to show that in your application that don't require having been “in business” for ten years–have you being showing your work consistently over a period of time? Have you been published broadly? Have you won awards or other recognition over time? Do you have references that can attest to the quality and longevity of your efforts?

Finally, don't give up. While there are a lot of residencies out there, there are also a large number of artists, not just photographers but painters, poets, sculptors and videographers often vying for the same slots. With effort and focus, you can take advantage of this wonderful opportunities to further your photographic efforts.

If you made it this far down, I have to ask you if you are now considering artist residencies to elevate your own craft. What, in Joe's article, moved you to make that decision? If you have any follow up questions for Joe, please feel free to ask him in the comments section below.

Joe has offered his e-book, Tuesday Composition, to one lucky person who comments below. Winner announced on December 30th.

This is a guest blog by Providence, Rhode Island-based documentary wedding photographer, Stacey Doyle. She documents weddings & families focused mainly in the New England area, though always willing to pack a bag & travel far and wide. Besides photography she really enjoys the art of sewing, specifically deconstructing older pieces and making them new again. If you don't find her behind her camera or sewing machine, you may find her perusing used book stores, thrift stores or at a local brewery surrounded by friends.

I was supposed to go to the Foundation Conference, held in Kansas City, this year. Circumstances at home prevented me from making the trip. When I came to know Stacey was going to be there, I lost no time in recruiting her to report back on her experiences at the conference. What you will read below are her impressions.

Walking into Foundation Conference 2, I was welcomed by friends. By hugs. By smiles. Open hearts & minds. An ego free zone.

From the speakers, to those coming along for a shot of inspiration, everyone there seemed to have a common thread, they see not only with their skillful eyes yet also with their hearts. They tell their stories using their individual visions fueled with their excitement to share, their ability to listen softly, their desire to infuse passion.

I heard Still Motion speak about how, a mere year ago they were creating images that were just good enough. They were pretty. But something was lacking. Something was missing. Something wasn't being said.
Inspired from last years Foundation Conference they decided to change all that. They now immerse themselves into their couples lives, they learn more about who they are, what they are about, what is really meaningful to them. They spend their time documenting what will speak to the true story of their couple, instead of focusing on details that mean nothing in the end. Even if that means skipping the makeup application in order to photograph a couple's beloved pups enjoying a morning swim. It's the images that truly matter, that's their goal. In the end they encouraged everyone to examine where you are right now and then ask yourself ‘Where do you want to be in one year?'

‘Suck less everyday'

DQ have always made me smile. They are a rich and giving couple, in their teachings, in their energy, in their commitment to the photography world. Dave and Quinn are one of the first people to run up and give you a warm genuine hug. Their excitement over showing you how to bring light into a scene to layer and transform a rather dull atmosphere into a whole different world is infectious! What I really adore is each time I've heard them speak, they both seem to glow when they talk about the other's abilities. Not ‘oh darn, Quinn one upped me' but ‘Heck yea did you see what she did?! So proud of her!'. Their motto that day was ‘Suck less everyday', which I quickly retweeted! However I really loved their son, Tobi's, quote ‘Making little moments go a long way'.

I found JVS‘s work years ago online and was floored. I couldn't believe someone could walk into a wedding and find images like that. His lighting skills are outstanding. I recently took his off camera flash workshop in Boston. I remember during his teaching that knowledge is important however what really stood out was if you are going to do something, don't half ass it. Do it right. His talk at the Foundation Conference was more introspective. He went through his life in pictures and in stories. He spoke of the moments that changed the way he viewed the photographic world he was in. He talked of the stories that had an impact, not only on his career but his heart. He spoke of being true to himself, his vision, the life he really wanted to be living, the work he really wanted to be producing. What shined through again was if you are going to do something do not go half way. Put your all into it. Don't be lukewarm about your approach. Mean it. And if you don't, maybe you need to examine what it is you really want to be doing in your life.

They wanted to create a playground where the mind-blowingly awesome photographers in their area could safely come together and, well, play!

The Wed Rockers are a group of established photographers from Mexico. They were looking for community, they were looking to help bring others with a similar desire to share and create, together. They wanted to create a playground where the mind-blowingly awesome photographers in their area could safely come together and, well, play! Their passion flowed out of them like warm sunshine. I was grinning the minute they started their talk and laughing and smiling and tearing up with them at the end. I believe they accomplished what it was they were trying to create: community. And they brought that feeling of sharing & encouragement to the hearts of all those that were there in that room listening that morning. Their talk made my heart swell, it made me want to share anything that I know with anyone that asks. Do you want to know what the secret ingredient is? Nothing. So do not be afraid to share. It's in the sharing where you will find your true self, your true vision.

It's hard for me to use just words to describe Anna Kuperberg‘s work, because when I see her pieces, all I can do is feel. Words may fail me, but my emotions do not. I respond within. I think it has a lot to do with her approach. Her talk during Foundation Conference spoke of being more childlike. Trying to tap into that long lost creative being we once were, until it was schooled, questioned, hushed out of us. And that's not an easy thing to do for some of us. I think ‘won't I look like a fool' but then I remember the little girl that I was flying down the street on my bike, not caring who or what saw me, just that I could fly (on two wheels, of course). I didn't care who heard me make-believing in the back yard with my Barbies and Strawberry Shortcake dolls. A whole magical world existed in my mind and I didn't feel like a fool, because it was fun. I didn't care enough about others opinions to not care about what felt good. I just played and I played well. And I believe that's what I took from Anna's talk; who cares if you mess up or screw up. It doesn't matter! Get back to caring about playing, playing well.

I had not heard of Candice C. Cusic nor seen her work before Foundation Conference. I am so glad I was there to experience her world, her approach and her imagery. Her emotional way of shooting, her steady courageous way of waiting it out until she knows she has what she wants. Her bold patience really struck me. Again, it's the idea of being overly concerned about what others are thinking of you as you work and allowing that to dilute your imagery. Don't let the thoughts of others get in your way. And don't read this wrong, Candace isn't being disrespectful of her subjects, no way! She calmly waits it out, where others might think ‘ok i'm probably bothering them so i should stop now', she's asking you ‘who says?' Don't ever assume you know what people will or will not let you photograph. Be patient, be bold, don't forget to tap into your heart, and then let go and shoot.

The local Kansas City contingent, Lemon & Lime, rounded out the talks. They spoke of their approach, creating one of a kind imagery, using their distinct vision to capture the story of their couples. How a fluke meeting a few years ago brought Neal & Eric together, and since then they have been able to immerse themselves in their creative process, in their couple's lives and in their business together. What struck me most was the way they talked about working with one another. How this collaboration has become so important to them both. The emotion that carried their words was heartfelt and true. I didn't feel as though they were talking just about a business, but a family they created. Once their talk was complete, I saw the other local photographers from Kansas City gather around them at the back of the room, each in turn hugging them both, congratulating them. Not doing this because they wanted those around them to know they ‘knew' them. This was real. There was a camaraderie there that I can only hope and pray others are blessed with.

And if you want to grow, the best thing you can do for yourself is get your butt in the hot seat. Now.

You may think of the Foundation Workshop Forum as just another photography forum. But that is so very far from the truth. It is a collection of brightly colored, vibrant, rich photographers threaded together with their deep desire to share with those around them who are equally passionate about the work they create. It isn't just a bunch of gear geeks talking numbers. These people are full of heart, they pay attention, they care. There is safety in knowing you are not going to get squashed by some self absorbed personality. However if you ask for a critique of your work, don't expect to be embraced warmly while they sugar coat their words. These people love what they do, they respect the art form far too much to give you a simple pat on the back. And if you want to grow, the best thing you can do for yourself is get your butt in the hot seat. Now. But let me assure you, having sat in that seat quite a few times, you will find no cruelty there. You will find not a single drop of snark. No one is there simply to beat anyone up. It is because they care, that they want to see you grow. They want to see you break free from the negative thoughts that anchor you. They want to see you soar.

Forums can most certainly be intimidating. However, you will find with the Foundation Workshop Forum group, that intimidation quickly melts away, as you are welcomed in by the warm generous souls that make up this great family.